Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Manufacture Coins

Handmade coins can be used to commemorate special events.


Creating customized coins is a unique way to commemorate events in life, such as weddings, awards and other major milestones. The simplest method to manufacture a coin is to use a two piece die and hammer to fabricate them one at a time.


Instructions


1. Draw a design with a 1:1 scale for the final coin in the sketchbook, first in pencil and then finalizing it with a drafting pen. Once the ink from the drafting pen dries, erase the pencil marks. Make sure to include a design for each side, and have clear well defined lines.


2. Commission a local engraving shop to carve the image for the coins in relief into the two parts of the coin die. Engraving shops can be quickly found by checking the phone book or Internet for local shops.


3. Insert the lower half of the engraved coin die into the die slot of the anvil.


4. Place the coin blank on top of the bottom part of the die, and place the top part of the die on the blank. Make sure to properly align the top and bottom pieces of the die to ensure a symmetrically finished coin.


5. Strike the top of the upper die firmly with the hammer. Soft metals like pure silver will only take a few moderate strikes to shape, whereas harder metals will require more force.